MBABANE: Russia is helping Iran with advanced drone tactics from its war in Ukraine to hit US and Gulf countries targets in the Middle East, the Cable News Network (CNN) reported quoting an unnamed Western intelligence official.
It has been reported that through the support from Russia, Shahed drones designed by Iran but mass-produced by Moscow for use in Ukraine, have been unexpectedly successful in penetrating the air defenses of Gulf Nations.
But Russian intelligence-sharing with Iran has until now been reported as general assistance with targeting, CNN further reported that, specific tactical advice would indicate a new level of potentially lethal support.
“What was more general support is now getting more concerning, including UAS (drone) targeting strategies that Russia employed in Ukraine,” said the official, who did not want to be identified discussing sensitive intelligence.
Even though the official declined to specify the exact tactical help, it has been reported that Russia has used Shahed drones against Ukraine in waves, with multiple drones flying together and changing course regularly to elude air defenses and as a result, in one night, Ukraine can face over 1,000 drones.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X Wednesday that Russia has started supporting Iran in the war with the United States and Israel.
“Russia has started supporting the Iranian regime with drones.It will definitely help with missiles, and it is also helping them with air defense”, he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (pic: Anadolu Agency).